If you’re looking for the luxury of a Maybach, but still want to join in on the recent SUV craze, here’s your answer. Maybach’s first-ever SUV model, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, is now launched in Malaysia, alongside the all-new Maybach S-Class.
The ultra-luxurious version of the GLS SUV will be arriving in Malaysia in the GLS 600 4Matic form, with prices starting from RM1.78 million inclusive of the 50% SST rebate until the 30th of June.
EXTERIOR
Unlike the S-Class, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS here does actually retains the same exterior dimensions as the “normal” GLS – though of course, it’s still a humongous SUV. Of course, there are several Maybach-exclusive touches to help it stand out from the standard model, including:
Signature Maybach grilleChrome trims with chrome mesh on front air intakesMassive 23-inch polished alloy wheelsMaybach emblem on C-pillarPowered retractable anodised aluminium running boards
INTERIOR
The main highlight of any Maybach model is its interior, and it’s the same script here as well. While it does look fairly similar to the standard GLS, including basically the entire dashboard with the dual 12.3-inch screens, it’s the rear passenger compartment that makes a Maybach, a Maybach.
The First Class cabin comes as standard on the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, which means instead of the three-row, seven-seater configuration, there’s now only two seats at the back. The two seats, trimmed in Nappa leather (just like the rest of the cabin), are powered and can tilt backwards by up to 43.5 degrees, and they even come with electrically-adjusted ottomans and massage functions, letting you kick back and relax like you’re flying in a first-class seat.
Also standard here on the Maybach GLS is the rear entertainment package, which includes two 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment displays and a seven-inch Android tablet in the rear centre console, a 13-speaker 590W Burmester surround sound system with a two-way intercom between the front and rear seats, twin wireless headphones, plus a fridge for your champagne located between the two backrests.
PERFORMANCE
The Maybach GLS is offered here in Malaysia in the GLS 600 4Matic form, featuring a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine making 558 hp and 730 Nm of torque. The engine is further aided by a 48V mild-hybrid system that adds an extra 20 hp and 200 Nm when needed.
All that power is sufficient to propel the 2.7-tonne behemoth from idle to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, with drive sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel drive system.
To keep your champagne from spilling, the Maybach GLS also comes as standard with Airmatic suspensions, plus a E-Active Body Control roll stabilisation system to help tilt the car through the corners through the corners, while soaking up the bumps and uneven roads surfaces.
SAFETY
Although you probably won’t be driving the car all that much, the Maybach GLS still comes with pretty much all of the driving assistance features you’d ever need. These include:
Autonomous emergency braking with cross traffic and pedestrian detectionAdaptive cruise control with stop and go functionLane Centering assistActive Parking AssistEvasive Steering AssistPre-Safe and Pre-Safe Impulse Side
PRICING
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is priced from RM1.78 million here in Malaysia, although that’s the price for the standard-equipment model, without any additional option boxes ticked. As usual on a Maybach, the pricing ceiling is pretty much as deep as your wallet allows.
The price is inclusive of the 50% SST rebate, due to its fully-imported status, and comes with a four-year unlimited mileage warranty.
GALLERY
Keyword: Facts & Figures: Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 now in Malaysia, from RM1.8m